Deck and Fittings Survey
Deck covering, windlass, cleats, guard rails and hatches tested one by one — every leaking fastener is a risk working into the deck core.
- Deck laminate hammer-surveyed stem to stern
- Hatch and window surrounds checked with moisture readings
- Windlass, fairleads and bollards tested under load
- Backing plates under winches and eyes seen with a borescope
- Stanchion bases dye-penetrant tested for cracks
A deck survey examines the deck laminate, hatch and window sealing, load-bearing gear such as windlass, fairleads and bollards, and the guardrail system, using measuring instruments.
The hardest-working surface on the boat
Anchoring loads the windlass, berthing loads the cleats, sailing loads the tracks and winches — and every fitting is fastened by bolts that pierce the deck. This survey verifies both the mechanical soundness and the watertightness of each of those connections.
What is checked
Teak surfaces are assessed for wear, seam condition and remaining thickness; GRP decks for crack patterns and delamination. The sandwich structure is percussion-tested, with suspect areas confirmed by moisture readings and thermal imaging. Cleats, bollards, padeyes and clutches are examined for deformation, cracking and — the classic defect — missing backing plates below deck. The windlass gets a run test with its chain match, brake and under-deck connections. Guard wires, stanchions, pulpits and the passerelle are load-checked at their welds and fastenings. Hatches, ports, lockers and doors are tested on their seals, hinges and locks, and exterior lighting, shower and vents verified for electrical safety and weatherproofing.
The report
Each fitting is listed with a photographed condition record; anything leaking, loose or unbacked is urgency-flagged, and the teak assessment carries its own remaining-life estimate.
Duration and fee
This inspection is a chapter within a survey: it is carried out within a pre-purchase survey and a yacht valuation and is not billed separately. We do not sell it as a standalone item, because coming to the boat once to look at this heading alone serves neither you nor us.
If you do need this heading on its own — in a dispute, or for a second opinion — the door is not closed. Call us and we will talk about the boat.
Fees vary with the length of the boat, where she lies and the season. For a firm price call us — tell us about the boat and we will give you the number on the phone.
From the field
What this work looks like on board
4 frames
These frames were taken during real surveys. None of them are stock: each one is a measurement or a check described on this page.
Rope and rigging check 
A 28.2 °C reading on deck 
Spider cracking in the gelcoat 
Measuring the deck length
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the most common deck problem?
How do you assess a teak deck's remaining life?
What does the windlass check involve?
Services
Other services
- SURVEY
Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey
Find out what the vessel really is before you commit. An independent report backed by measured values you can use in the negotiation.
26 € / ft - SURVEY
Damage Survey
The true extent and repair cost of the damage, documented independently — a report you can put in front of your insurer.
26 € / ft - SURVEY
Yacht Valuation
The vessel's real market value, grounded in technical findings — a reasoned valuation for sale, insurance or legal use.
25 € / ft
Contact
Book your survey
Tell us where the vessel lies and your approximate date — we reply the same day.
Serkan Kotel
Yacht surveyor · IIMS · ABYC · MCA — the person who answers the phone, walks the boat and signs the report is the same person.
Phone
+905320595917Service areas
Bodrum · Yalıkavak · Turgutreis · Milas · Göcek · Fethiye · Marmaris · Datça · İstanbul · Ayvalık